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About Temples

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been building temples since the 1830s. In this video, religious scholars of various faiths discuss the importance of temple worship from the earliest history of mankind to modern times.

Neighborhood Questions

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Will the temple cause traffic and parking problems?

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No. The temple's purpose is to accommodate small groups throughout the day rather than large congregations at one time, and so traffic flow is well within the capacity of local roads to handle. Ample parking is available on site.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, public open house and temple dedication (all of which are one-time events), we will work closely with our neighbors to minimize the impact of the traffic and parking and to ensure continued access to their homes and businesses. Attendance at these services will be by invitation only, and a traffic management plan will be in place along with off-site parking to minimize impact during these limited activities.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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Will the Church use this temple as a center to proselytize our community?

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No. Temples are used only for performing sacred ceremonies and not as centers for local congregations or for proselytizing.

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What will happen to the value of the property around the temple?

A.

Experience worldwide demonstrates that temples positively impact property values. Latter-day Saint temples are built using the finest craftsmanship and materials available. They are beautifully landscaped and maintained and designed to complement the community.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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How are temples used?

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Temples are quiet, sacred and an integral part of the LDS faith, providing members the opportunity to participate in religious ceremonies, such as marriages and baptisms. They typically open early in the morning and quietly operate throughout the day. Closing times vary with locale, however, temples do not operate into the late evening hours. Temples are closed on Sunday.

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What about noise? Does the temple have bells or chimes?

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Mormon temples do not have bells or chimes. The temple grounds will be quiet and peaceful and are open to the public.

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What about lighting at night?

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The lighting of the temple will comply with all local legal requirements and restrictions.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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What is it like inside the temple?

A.

Many people are under the impression that the interior of a Latter-day Saint temple is like a great hall or cathedral. Actually, temples are made up of numerous smaller rooms designed to accommodate functions such as marriages, baptisms and small gatherings, as well as personal reflection and contemplation. Inside the temple, Church members change into simple and modest white clothing before taking part in temple ceremonies. The white temple clothing symbolizes purity and reverence.

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Will members of the public ever see the inside of the temple?

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Yes. After the temple is completed, an open house is held for the general public (typically for several weeks). During the open house, public tours (organized by reservation including a special neighbor’s tour) and information are provided to answer questions and to explain the purpose of the various rooms in the temple. See interior photos.

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What is the difference between a temple and an ordinary church building?

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Church meetinghouses or chapels are open to all, and everyone is welcome to attend the Sunday worship services and other activities held there. Chapels are open and busy all day on Sunday, while temples are closed that day. Besides Sunday services, Church meetinghouses can be used for a variety of activities such as a neighborhood dinner, a youth activity, or even a community blood drive. Temples are used only for sacred ordinances that bless individuals and bind families together for eternity. After temples are dedicated, only faithful Latter-day Saints may enter them.

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What about parking and traffic on Sundays?

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The temple is closed on Sundays.

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What approval process will the temple go through?

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Temples are subject to the same local zoning and building regulation and approval processes as any other church or house of worship.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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Will the temple's construction be disruptive to the neighborhood?

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With all construction projects, some disruption is inevitable. However, the Church will work closely with city officials and the neighborhood to minimize the inconvenience as much as possible.

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How does the Church deal with environmental concerns in building temples?

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The Church and its contractors work diligently to meet all local environmental regulations and the maintain the atmosphere of the area.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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What about landscaping and the upkeep of the temple grounds?

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Temple grounds are always beautifully landscaped, meticulously maintained and open to the public. Pictures of temple grounds from around the world are available on the multi-media section of this website.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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Will the temple obstruct the surrounding views?

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The temple will be constructed to meet the height restrictions of local building regulations. Temple spires are slender, tapering structures designed to both inspire the viewer and create a minimum of obstruction.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.

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What kind of neighbor will the temple be?

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Neighbors throughout the world have found temples to be good additions to the community. Temples are ideal neighbors because the buildings and landscaping are meticulously maintained and those who visit come in small groups throughout the day, rather than in one large group. In addition, it has been repeatedly shown that temples help neighborhoods increase or hold onto their value, even in a bad economy.

All persons in this video are neighbors to a Mormon Temple and are members of other faiths.